Poland rejoins NATO AGS programme

Poland has confirmed its intention to formally rejoin NATO's Alliance Ground Surveillance (AGS) programme as a core nation, with the alliance's managing organisation now preparing the relevant documents for its reinclusion.

Warsaw was involved in the early stage of the AGS project, but in early 2009 decided to leave the collaborative effort, citing financial problems.

Announcing its decision following a 21 March meeting, Poland's defence ministry says: "Joining AGS will be very significant for increasing Poland's meaning and strengthening its position in NATO structures."

It expects to re-enter the programme in early 2014, contributing 4.5% of the total AGS funds, or roughly €71 million ($93 million) until 2017.